Should you put your child on a schedule?

Yes, this is a controversial question.  In my experience,
controversy comes with very strong opinions on both sides.  Some moms are 
adamant supporters of schedules, others are vehemently opposed.

If a mom has to go to work, then sometimes necessity dictates the 
decision.  Here’s some guidelines if you must get your child on a 
schedule.

First, newborns need to eat frequently, every 2 ½ to 3 hours for the 
first 3-4 weeks. After that, they can go for 4 hour stretches.  
Occasionally, a baby will be able to sleep for 5-6 hours before they 
turn 8 weeks old, but you can’t count on it.

You’ll want to time feedings from the beginning of one feeding to the 
beginning of the next. You don’t have to be exact with the timing.  
Allow yourself and your baby ½ hour of flexibility before and after 
the designated time.

If they’re hungry before the next “scheduled” feeding, then by all 
means, feed them. You’ll have a much happier baby and you won’t feel 
as tense.

As for sleeping through the night, most babies won’t be able to do 
this, until they are 12 pounds or 12 weeks old.

There’s one more thing to consider, and that is, growth spurts.  
Approximately, every 3 weeks, babies will go through a growth spurt, 
where it will seem as if they are hungry all the time. This may be 
confusing, if they were happy on their schedule, and then suddenly are 
wanting to eat every 1-2 hours.  When this happens, go ahead and feed 
more frequently and trust your instincts to feed them as often as 
necessary.  Soon they’ll be back on their schedule again.

Please send in your experiences with scheduled feedings.

(The blog was originally published in 2010)